item number #SOLD0005-20090207-02
Iridescent Plum RED COCHINEAL Steel Beaded 1880's boots
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This is a stunning pair of unusually colored and heavily beaded Victorian deep plum dress boots. (True color is this flash photograph, but the boots were so glossy, I shot the rest of the photos with available light so they look a little more blue than plum with reddish highlights. Reflections made them photograph lighter than they actually are.) Made by "Rosenthals's" shoes (stamped in gold) which was a famous maker in San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles at the time. "Red Cochineal" was the term used for this rare color of iridescent plum which tends to shimmer colors as you move the boots. Red dye was placed over brown and this was the result. The soft leather uppers have fabulously cut steel beads in fancy scrolls and stars. The insides have strong, clean canvas inners and a fabulous "Louis" spool heel. The brown boot ties are era original. These stylish boots were definitely the most beautifully decorated footwear in her closet.
Condition:
I consider these boots strong enough for wearing, but I could also see them in a museum. The shiny leather and beads (all there!) is strong and supple, this pair is so pretty, I know you won't be disappointed! On both boots the toes have very small wear spots, and the heels have scuffing although one has more than the other (please see bottom photos). There is also a 1/4" transparent white spot that looks a little like milk. The insides are in strong, wearable condition, with slight fading to the gold maker's stamp. There are hand written numbers (5 1/2, A, 448, 6) on the inside which I believe are the size or style. The ties are different but both correct era and brown, although one is slightly lighter, and the ends are different. (I didn't notice this until I studied them to write this description, so I consider this very minor.) Remnants of original tag are under one of the soles. The leather soles have seen some wear, but has much life left. These boots cannot be cleaned on the outside due to the finish treatment. A competent old-time shoemaker should be able to fix the scuffs and wear if desired.
This item is sold and no longer available.
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Estimated Current size Approx.:
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| Size | Length | width | heel | Estimated overall condition scale of 1-10 | | 8 | 11" | 3" | 3." | 9.999 |
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